The Orisha World Peace and Healing Initiative was organized to coordinate the events that will take place in December 2014 during World Peace and Healing week. These events will take place in many cities throughout the United States, as well as in Mexico and Venezuela. We strongly encourage other Orisha communities to become a part of this initiative by sponsoring events in their home towns.In addition, we are encouraging olorishas, regardless of the system that they follow, to show their support for world peace by wearing white during World Peace and Healing week, which begins on December 10, 2014, lasting until December 21, 2014.

Why is this important?Despite our differences, practitioners of Regla de Ocha and other religions should come together to work toward the common good. We need to put aside personal agendas and egos, and use our faith to bring about positive change.

December is an important month in our religion. As the calendar year draws to an end, the negative influences we've experienced all year long need to be cleared away through prayer and communion with our ancestors. We need to cleanse ourselves and our environment through purifying actions.

Although all of the orishas play a very important role in our lives, we have chosen to focus on two in particular this month to help us create an atmosphere of peace and healing.

The feast day of Babalú Ayé is traditionally celebrated on December 17. He rules over infectious disease, and has the power over life and death through his healing energy. He is the patron of those infected with HIV/AIDS, smallpox, leprosy, hepatitis, cholera, tuberculosis, and ebola. In Cuba, thousands of pilgrims visit his shrine in El Rincón (Santiago de las Vegas, Havana) on his feast day to ask him to intercede on their behalf, or on behalf of their loved ones.

Obatalá is the orisha associated with peace, harmony, stability. He is the great father of all humanity, the ancient wise one, the peacemaker who settles conflict and brings harmony into our lives.

What can you do?If you are an oloricha or a member of a Lucumi religious community, contact someone in your area to see how you can get involved. Even if you aren't a practitioner of the religion, you can still help out. People across the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America are planning ceremonies that you can participate in. They are also asking for small donations of money or food needed for the ceremonies. If you are in a position to help, please do.

We are suggesting that every city plan, host and participate in the five proposed activities:1. Agban for Babalu Aye2. Nangaré ó—ritual communion with Olodumare and the ancestors3. Wemilere (Añá, Ayán, drumming) for Obatalá4. Wearing white for ten days (Dec 10 – 21, 2014)5. Closing prayers- optionalPlease join us as we pray for the health and well-being of our communities!Make a statement on behalf of a common cause.